Every step counts when saving the world's oceans

Monday

What have you done for the ocean lately? David Helvarg, an environmentalist and author, says it's something we need to think about, since the oceans play a vital role in our lives.

What have you done for the ocean lately?
David Helvarg, an environmentalist and author, says it's something we need to think about, since the oceans play a vital role in our lives.
In his book, "50 Ways to Save the Ocean" (Inner Ocean Publishing, $12.95), Helvarg points out what we do - or don't do - every day can have far-reaching effects.
Each of us, however, can help turn the tide in ways large and small.
"If you act as a smart consumer and citizen, you can start to make a difference," said Helvarg, founder of Blue Frontier Campaign, a marine conservation advocacy group based in Washington.
"There's resiliency in the ocean. If we do the right thing, we can bring things back."
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has joined the nation to celebrate National Oceans Month this June. President George W. Bush recently signed a proclamation to honor the world's oceans and recognize those dedicated to making our oceans and coasts cleaner, healthier and more productive.
Here are some ocean-saving tips, courtesy of the Blue Frontier Campaign:
ENJOY THE BEACH RESPONSIBLY
Apply waterproof sunscreen lotion; it won't leave an oil slick in the water.
Use restrooms - not the ocean - when nature calls.
Dune walkovers protect shoreline vegetation that help prevent beach erosion. Use them.
Don't chase or feed the wildlife.
Bring a trash bag and remove any litter you find.
Dispose of cigarettes wrapping and butts properly. They can end up in the water from winds, tides or storm drains, where they can be mistaken for food and be fatal to marine life.
EAT SEAFOOD THAT IS HEALTHFUL AND SUSTAINABLE
"Sustainable" means that it's not being caught faster than it can reproduce.
Choose abundant species such as squid, halibut or mahi-mahi, rather than over-fished species like grouper and shark.
Try wild salmon. Salmon raised on fish farms produce waste that pollutes surrounding waters.
Carry a sustainable-seafood wallet guide and share it with your friends. It can be printed off the Internet at www.seafoodwatch.org.
USE FUEL EFFICIENTLY
Coastal waters are poisoned not only from land-based runoff, but also from tailpipe pollutants contributing to nitrogen buildup in offshore waters.
Purchase a hybrid car that can get up to 60 mpg in the city.
If possible, carpool or use public transportation.
Keep your vehicle maintained, with regular oil changes and tune-ups.
DON'T TREAT YOUR STORM DRAIN LIKE A TOILET
Most storm drains bypass local water treatment plants and carry harmful chemicals and pollutants from lawns and streets into nearby rivers, bays or the sea.
Don't drop gum, paper, cigarette butts or other waste on the pavement or down a storm-drain grate.
Use soap sparingly when washing your car.
A windy day or just before rain is not the time to spray chemicals on your lawn.
Scoop the poop. Some 15 tons of pet waste end up in our oceans every day, adding pathogens and bacteria that can sicken both marine life and people.
DON'T EXPLOIT SEA CREATURES
Corals are living animals, not decorative rocks.
Don't buy jewelry or other products made from coral.
Don't purchase dietary supplements such as coral calcium, shark cartilage, turtle oil or shark liver oil made from endangered marine life.
Sea horses are also endangered. Don't purchase dried sea horses for decoration or folk medicines.
EAT ORGANIC
Purchase organically grown foods to reduce the amount of chemical fertilizer flowing to the sea.
Buy fresh, locally grown produce. While supporting local farmers, this reduces emissions from food transportation.
NONTOXIC GARBAGE
Chemical and heavy metal wastes have been linked to increased risks of cancer, birth defects and more.
Use baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice and water instead of more harmful and expensive commercial products for cleaning.
Substitute cedar chips for toxin-heavy mothballs.
Never throw household batteries, computers, television sets and other appliances containing harmful components into the trash. Instead, dispose of them through a local recycling center.
VOTE FOR THOSE WHO PROTECT THE COAST
Let your elected representatives know that how they treat the environment will influence your vote.
Learn who your local and national elected representatives are and where they stand on key ocean-protection measures.
Write or call your elected officials to tell them your support will depend on whether they take strong marine-conservation positions.
FISH FOR FUN, FOOD AND THE FUTURE
An estimated 12 million Americans enjoy recreational saltwater fishing.
Get a valid fishing license. Fees help pay for marine conservation and restoration. Licenses also help authorities keep track of how many people are affecting the resource.
Follow fishing rules by obeying season, size and bag limits.
Use barbless hooks and don't remove fish from the water if you're releasing your catches.
Fish for species that are abundant; avoid species that are over-fished or poorly managed.
A WORD TO THOSE WHO DON'T LIVE BY THE OCEAN
Cut down on fertilizers. Heavy rains wash fertilizers used on crops and lawns into local rivers, streams and lakes, where it contributes to massive algal blooms that can cause oxygen-depleted "dead zones."
Pesticides pose other dangers to the marine environment.
Concentrated animal feed operations for cattle, poultry and hogs intensifies pollution from animal waste that can harm other coastal ecosystems.
Mark Zaloudek writes for the Herald-Tribune in Sarasota.

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